Human Capital Notes
Young people's access to the labor market
Abstract
How does the age that young people complete their studies influence their transition to the labor market? What is the most effective method of finding the first job? What factors are most helpful to obtain a job? Note no. 110 in the Human Capital Series answers these questions by examining young people's transition to the labor market. It shows that the age at which young people complete their studies determines their transition to the labor market and, although young people with compulsory education start working earlier, from 27 years of age a higher percentage of young people with university education work than those with with a lower education level. Data from the Bancaja-Ivie 2008 Observatory of Young People's Transition to the Labor Market also shows that the most effective method of finding the first job is through family and friends, while in the case of young graduates it is more efficient to send their CVs to companies and employment agencies.Another aspect explored in this note is how young people perceive the labor market given that, whether this view coincides with reality or not, it affects their job search. According to the Observatory, young men with a higher level of education have a more positive perception of the labor market, while young foreigners or those with children have a more negative view of the labor situation.